Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised the Gen Z trend of 'bhajan clubbing', saying it was "heartening" to see that the dignity and purity of devotional songs are maintained at such events. He noted that even though the platform is modern, a continuous sense of spirituality is experienced there.
In the 130th episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi said, "In our country, bhajans and kirtans have been the soul of our culture for centuries. We have listened to bhajans in temples, during kathas, and every era has embodied Bhakti according to respective times."
He added that today's generation is achieving "something spectacular," incorporating the spirit of devotion into their experiences and lifestyles. "Large numbers of youth are gathering in different cities across the country. The stage is decorated, there is lighting, music... all the pomp and show of a concert. Yet, the resonance of bhajans sung with concentration, dedication, and rhythm remains at the core. This trend is called 'bhajan clubbing,' and it is becoming increasingly popular, especially among Gen Z," the Prime Minister said.
PM Modi commended the younger generation for upholding the decorum of words and emotions, as well as the purity of devotional songs during these events. "It is heartening to see that the dignity and purity of bhajans are maintained. Devotion is not taken lightly; neither the decorum of words nor the emotion is compromised. The stage may be modern, the musical presentation may be different, but the core spirit remains the same—a constant flow of spirituality is felt there," he added.
PM Modi also referred to the social media trend '2026 is the new 2016' and shared memories of the Startup India programme launched a decade ago, calling it "very important" for the youth and the future of the country. He described the youth as the "heroes" of this "amazing journey" and noted that Indian startups are now active in sectors ranging from AI, space, and nuclear energy to semiconductors, mobility, green hydrogen, and biotechnology.
"These startups are out of the ordinary. They are working in sectors that could not have been imagined ten years ago. I salute all young friends associated with startups or aspiring to start their own," he said.
The Prime Minister further appealed to the countrymen, especially youth in industries and startups, to focus on quality in all work. "The era of 'It happens, it's fine, it will work' is over. This year, let's give priority to quality with full vigour. Better quality today than yesterday. Let us pledge to improve everything we manufacture—textiles, technology, electronics, even packaging. Indian products should be synonymous with top quality," PM Modi said.
Stressing the need to make "excellence the benchmark," he added, "Let us pledge that there will be no letup in quality, nor any compromise. I had said from the Red Fort—'Zero defect, zero effect.' By doing this, we will take forward the resolve of a Viksit Bharat."
(With inputs from IANS)
